Prosper and Profit

In this episode, I am so excited to share this with you because today I’m joined by someone many of you already know and love, the incredible Jools. Jools is a colour specialist, educator for Goldwell Global, long-time salon owner and all-round big personality in the hair industry. She’s travelled the world teaching, she’s juggled more creative projects than most of us could imagine, and yes… she’s also the actual mascot for the Brisbane Broncos. But today’s conversation isn’t about the glossy highlight reel. It’s about the real stuff. The stuff you only talk about once you feel safe enough to say, “I need help.” We'll talk about: • What life in the salon truly looked like before we started working together the, overwhelm, the chasing-your-tail, the feeling of loving the work but dreading the business side. • Why she reached out (“I think my first message literally said: I need help.”) • How years of carrying things alone, including the shame of a painful past business experience, shaped the way she approached her salon • The mindset shifts that changed everything including stepping out of chaos, creating structure, and redefining what “success” needed to look like for her next season of life Jools story is one so many of you will resonate with, especially if you’re amazing at what you do… but secretly avoiding the business decisions that feel too heavy, too confusing, or too overwhelming to face on your own. Her honesty is brave, refreshing, and exactly why I love these Client Files episodes they remind us that behind every thriving salon owner is a human who’s had to do the inner work and the business work. This conversation is warm, real, funny and such a powerful reminder that you can rewrite your story at any stage of your career. Enjoy this one it’s special. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something every salon owner has felt at some point money stress, shame and that sinking feeling of “Why isn’t this working?” We're in full December energy: busy salons, strong cashflow and the beginnings of that end-of-year reflection. Whether you listen now or during your Christmas break, this conversation will land exactly when it needs to. Inside the episode, we talk about: • Why money stress is normal and fixable • What to do if 2025 didn’t go as planned • The difference between structural business issues and personal ones • The patterns I’ve seen from 45+ salon and clinic owners this year from rising costs to seasonal lulls Here’s the reminder every salon owner needs: If you want a different result in 2026, you can’t repeat the same habits and structures from this year. And none of this means you are the problem. You were trained as a technician, not a business owner so of course there are skills no one ever taught you. This episode will help you reflect without blame, reset your thinking and head into 2026 with clarity and confidence. Tune in for a grounded, honest, and empowering wrap-up to your year. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I’m sharing a peek into my time at Profit Con, the annual conference for Profit First Professionals, and the in-person planning day Kristen and I added on to evolve and elevate the way we support our clients. We'll talk about: • Why stepping out of your environment gives you the clarity you didn’t know you were missing • The power of investing in planning time (even when it’s not “billable hours”) • What really happens when you make room to work on the business, not just in it • Little personal moments from the trip including a very unexpected hotel upgrade and the reminder that energy really does matter This episode is a mix of business insights, personal reflections and a reminder I think every business owner needs to hear: Clarity doesn’t come from pushing harder it comes from space. Space to zoom out, question things, reset… and come back sharper. If you’ve been feeling like you’re just getting through the week-to-week, this one is going to land in the best way. Tune in now for a chat that feels equal parts honest, expansive and energising. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I’m so excited to be sharing another Client Files with you today. These are some of my absolute favourites. Because while I can talk about strategy and systems all day long, nothing highlights how powerful this work really is then hearing from women just like you, salon owners who have walked the path, faced the stress and decided to take back control. I’m joined by the incredible Rachel, a salon owner in Victoria who has been in business for 13 years and runs a salon with a small team. Rachel opens up about what life and business looked like before we started working together, the stress of juggling bills, that sinking feeling of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and the frustration of wondering why things still felt tight after so many years in business. We talk about: • The turning point that made her reach out for help • How she realised the business model (not her effort) needed a reset • The game-changing moment of raising her prices • What life and business look like now that she has a clear plan for her profit and pay This conversation shows that often it’s not that you’re doing anything wrong… It’s that the environment has changed and your business needs to evolve with it. Tune in for an honest, uplifting chat about getting unstuck, regaining confidence, and building a business that supports you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode feels a little different, a bit more personal but I think you’re really going to see the parallel here. This story starts with my skin (yes, really!) but it’s actually about something much deeper: how we hold ourselves back from change. On this episode we talk through; • The identity and mindset we attach to our “problems” • What it really takes to reach that turning point for change • How to move from acceptance to action in your business It’s honest, a little vulnerable and full of parallels I think you’ll really resonate with. Tune in now, this one’s for anyone who knows it’s time to stop settling for “that’s just how it is.” Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode is a rapid-fire where we're tackling a question that comes up over and over (and one I just spoke about with a client): “Should I spend money to reduce my tax bill?” It’s one of those myths that sounds good; Spend now, save on tax later but the truth is, a tax deduction doesn’t make your expenses free. We’ll talk about: • Why “it’s tax deductible” doesn’t mean “it’s free money” • The mindset that makes business spending feel easier than personal spending • What a “write-off” actually means (and why that Schitt’s Creek moment is so relatable) • Why paying tax isn’t always the enemy, it means your business is profitable If you’ve ever caught yourself justifying a purchase because “it’s tax deductible,” let’s unpack what really happens when you spend to save tax. The goal is for you to make decisions that serve your business long-term, not just your end-of-year emotions. Tune in now for a bite-sized dose of clarity and common sense Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode I wanted to talk about something that comes up in conversations and with peers, my own coach in the past and with our clients: structure. More specifically the myth that structure is stressful. Because here’s the truth: when I first started my business, I avoided structure too. I thought structure would take away my freedom. But over time, I realised it’s the lack of structure that creates the most stress. We'll talk through: • Why so many salon and clinic owners resist structure (and what’s really behind it) • How “winging it” keeps you in a constant cycle of stress and scrambling • The lightness that comes from knowing things are handled • Why structure doesn’t box you in If you’ve ever found yourself saying things like “I just don’t have time for systems right now” you'll want to listen in. True freedom in business doesn’t come from chaos it comes from clarity, consistency, and structure that supports you (not controls you). Tune in now for a mindset shift that will make your salon or clinic feel lighter, calmer and far more in control. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, we're going from beginner level profit first to intermediate. I'm talking through the common adaptations and advancements we make to profit first when working with salons and clinics. We'll talk about: • Why implementing Profit First is just the starting point, not the end game. • The difference between cashflow management and actually improving profitability. • How we use sub–opex accounts to create clarity and control as businesses scale. • When it’s time to move from “level one” Profit First to the next stage of financial maturity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” Profit First steps but your business still feels tight or messy behind the scenes, this episode is for you. Tune in now and let’s take your Profit First system to the next level. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode is one of the most powerful shifts I’ve ever made in business (and something I talk about with my salon and clinic owner clients all the time): your business is not you. We'll talk about: • How this mindset shift transforms your decisions, cash flow, profit and pay. • The difference between what you need and what the business needs. • Why thinking like a CEO (not just the do-it-all owner) brings more clarity and freedom. From paying yourself properly to separating expenses this separation sets the stage for a business that can thrive without being 100% reliant on you. Because here’s the truth: you are not your business. And once you treat it as the independent entity it is, you’ll run it better with less chaos and far more freedom. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This is one of the most important conversations of the year. The end-of-year rush is coming. Your books are filling, you’re gearing up for long days and your focus is on maximising revenue and fuller bank accounts. But while everyone’s eyes are on November and December, the smart salon owners are already planning for what happens after the rush. Because here’s the truth: the quiet period in January and February isn’t a surprise it’s predictable. And yet, every year, too many salon owners go into those months unprepared, stressed and scrambling to pay themselves or cover bills. This episode is your reminder to plan now so you’re not starting the new year behind. We’ll talk about: • Why October is the most important month for financial planning. • The predictable “busy then broke” pattern and how to break it. • What to plan for, from annual leave to tax bills so you can actually enjoy your Christmas break. • The difference between starting January in panic mode vs. starting strong and in control. This isn’t about doom and gloom, it’s about strategy. With a few smart moves now, you can make sure the holiday season sets you up for success instead of setting you back. Tune in now to get ahead of the game, your January self will thank you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

Here’s the situation: you decide to implement Profit First, you’re excited about finally getting clarity with your money and then your bookkeeper turns around and says, “It’s too complicated. Too many accounts. Too much work.” Over the past year, I’ve had a number of clients tell me this story. It can be so frustrating because here you are trying to take control of your cash flow and suddenly the professional you’re paying to support you is pushing back. In this episode, we’ll talk about: • Why bookkeepers dislike Profit First (hint: they’re not trained in it and all they see is “more work”). • The truth about how much extra effort Profit First actually creates (spoiler: it’s literally a few clicks a week). • Why bookkeepers see money differently to business owners and why their perspective isn’t always what you need. • How separating money into multiple accounts reduces complexity for you as the salon owner (even if your bookkeeper thinks it adds complexity for them). • The key difference between Profit First as a cash management system and traditional bookkeeping as an accounting system and why both matter. At the end of the day, Profit First is designed to make your money work for you, not for your bookkeeper. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to do things differently and feeling like you’re being “a pain” to your bookkeeper, this episode is going to be a huge relief. Hit play and let’s break this down honestly, so you can move forward with confidence (and maybe even help your bookkeeper understand why this system matters so much for your business). Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I’m introducing you to someone very special: my colleague (and now team member) Kristen. If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you probably know my voice, my style, and the way I work with salon owners to create more profit and financial freedom. But what you might not know is that when you work with me, you’re also getting support from Kristen and I want you to know her just as well. Kristen brings over 25 years of experience in bookkeeping, finance and small business consulting. Numbers are her jam, but what makes her so unique is how she translates those numbers into plain language and practical steps that actually make sense. Inside this conversation, we talk about: • Kristen’s background and how her early days in her dad’s trade business shaped her understanding of small business. • Why her mix of bookkeeping expertise and people skills makes her such a valuable part of the support we offer clients. • How our paths first crossed years ago, and what brought her into the team today. • The behind-the-scenes support Kristen gives our clients to keep them accountable, confident and in control of their money. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like working with us or if you’ve thought, “Would I get the support I really need?” this episode will give you a peek behind the curtain. You’ll not only hear Kristen’s story, but also get a feel for how we work together to make sure our clients are never left figuring it out on their own. So grab your coffee, tune in and let’s pull back the curtain on what goes on behind the Prosper and Profit team. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

I can hardly believe it’s been a full year since I introduced Prosper and Profit 2.0. At the time, I recorded an episode explaining what the new structure of the program would look like, why I was making changes, and how I thought it would benefit salon and clinic owners. But back then, it was all still theory, an outline of how I planned things to work. Fast forward 12 months, and we’ve now taken dozens of clients through this new way of working. It’s no longer just a plan, it’s a proven system. And the results for both clients and myself have been incredible. In this episode, I'll share: • Why I moved away from the “every two weeks, fixed coaching calls” model. • How creating assignments and processes for key areas (like service menus, expenses, commissions, and more) has completely changed the way clients make progress. • The difference between the 4-month version (ideal for solo operators or salons with very simple setups) and the 6-month version (perfect for owners with bigger teams and more complexity). • How milestone sessions, unlimited Basecamp support, and ad-hoc calls give clients the flexibility they need to move at the natural pace of their business. • Why this system not only supports clients better but has also allowed me to bring in more team support and increase the impact we can make. If you listened to the original Prosper and Profit 2.0 episode, this one is a full-circle update because now I’m not talking about how it’s supposed to work. I’m talking about how it actually works in practice, the shifts it’s created, and why I truly believe this structure is setting salon and clinic owners up for lasting success. Whether you’re a client already or you’re curious about how working together might look, this episode gives you the clearest picture yet of what Prosper and Profit 2.0 really means. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

Discounts can feel like a quick fix. You get that “sugar hit” of cash flow when you need it and on the surface it feels like it’s working. But behind the scenes? Discounting can silently drain your profitability and keep you stuck on a hamster wheel of short-term wins instead of long-term growth. I’ll walk you through: • Why discounts feel good in the moment (but don’t serve you long-term) • How to think differently about filling your books without slashing your prices • A personal example that highlights just how damaging discounts can be for your bottom line This is a big mindset shift and one that could make a huge difference to the money you actually get to keep from your salon. Hit play now for a dose of real talk about your numbers, your pricing, and why protecting your profit matters more than quick cash flow hits. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

Welcome to latest Client File episode where we chat with a client and give you an insight into where they started, the challenges they faced, the shifts we made together and most importantly the results they’re now living every day. In this episode I chat with Darren we discussed: • The frustration of scrambling for quarterly BAS payments compared with paying them in full, every time. • What Darren's work-life looks like now and how he didn't really believe this would happen • The analogy of being given a fish versus learning to fish and how this work has set Darren up for success for the remainder of his career as a salon owner • And more! Tune in for a real insight on what happens when we work together. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

You did not start your salon to scrape by and I’m here for a world where you are rewarded for the amazing work you do. In this episode, I’m sharing a little behind-the-scenes update from my week and pulling you into a conversation about a phrase that’s been on my mind, something small but powerful that ties back to how we run our businesses. We'll talk about: • A recap of my weekend at Beauty Expo in Sydney • Why being around people who “get it” is so motivating (and why you need this as a business owner). • What it was like on the Business Couch and meeting so many salon and clinic owners face-to-face. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

Not every salon owner comes to me in crisis mode. I also work with clients who are are doing really well. You might feel the same; you’re paying yourself, bills are covered and you’re no longer scrambling for clients. And... you’re ready for more. In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to take your salon from good to great. How to protect the incredible business you’ve built, make confident growth decisions and step into your role as CEO (not just technician). You’ll learn: • How to shift your mindset from day-to-day operator to strategic business owner • The numbers and systems that keep your growth sustainable • Why a strong foundation is essential before scaling Whether you’re fixing problems or chasing your next level, the path is about clarity, confidence and a solid plan. Let’s make sure your business is ready to hold more. More profit, clients and freedom. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

It’s been a while since I’ve given you a little behind-the-scenes update, so before we dive in, a little bit of what's been happening and what's coming up. Okay… onto today’s topic. We’re talking about something I see in so many salons and clinics I work with: Top-selling services that aren’t actually making a profit. It’s one of those sneaky business traps, your books look busy, your revenue is up, but your bank account… not so much. In this episode, I’m sharing: • The signs a service might be costing you more than it makes • Why high demand doesn’t always mean high profit • How to calculate the true cost of delivering a service (beyond just products + wages) • What makes a service genuinely profitable and how to strengthen those in your menu If you’ve ever thought, “We’re so busy… but where’s the money?”, this one’s for you. Let’s make sure all your hard work (and your team’s) is actually paying YOU at the end of the month. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

You’ve probably heard it before: “If you want to grow your salon, just hire more team members.” But what if that advice is actually making things harder? In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation I’ve been having with a lot of salon owners lately. We're exposing the truth about hiring too soon. It might feel like you’re doing the right thing by bringing someone on, but if the demand isn’t there, you’re not solving the problem you think you are. We’ll talk about: • Why hiring isn’t always the answer to growth • The real reasons salon owners hire too early (and how it backfires) • The difference between demand-led hiring vs. fear-based hiring • How to avoid the trap of thinking more team = more profit If you’ve ever felt stressed about team wages, bookings, or wondering if you made the right hiring call then this one’s for you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

Ever catch yourself trying to look like a successful salon owner instead of actually feeling like one? In this episode, I’m diving into a quiet pressure a lot of high-achieving salon owners face: the need to prove yourself. Whether it’s to your family, your peers or even strangers on Instagram, this pressure can sneakily shape your decisions. And often in ways that do not serve your profit or peace. We’ll talk about: • The subtle ways “proving yourself” shows up in your business • Why it can feel heavy, expensive and unsustainable • How to focus on building a business that actually supports your life (not just looks good on the ‘gram) This one’s a mindset conversation but it has a real impact on your numbers, your time, your money and your energy. Let’s talk about building a salon that works for you, not one that just looks the part. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan